8 Regency bare knuckle prize fighter engravings

Collection of 8 early 19th century (circa 1820) framed prints of prize bare knuckle fighters.

Engravings by Percy Roberts after the original drawings by George Sharples.  In his depiction of the fighters Sharples preferred to draw them head and shoulders rather than actually trading punches. Each man is dressed in the dandy fashions of the Regency period, 

Research of the names is quite rewarding and only a thin snippet of what is available we describe here.

Tom Owen the Fighting Oil Rag, the brilliantly named Jack Scroggins whose real name was John Palmer.

The Irish Champion of 1815 Dan Donnelly. As with so many of these chaps they regularly fought to crowds of 20-30 thousand people. Donnelley opened 4 pubs in Ireland but they were not a success, unfortunately he was probably their best customer. He died at 31 and his body fell victim to grave robbers. An outcry from his supporters led to the recovery of his body but a deal was struck and it was minus his right arm. This was preserved for medical students to use as a learning aid, went on a tour of the UK in a travelling circus, crossed to the States and now after 200 years it still exists and is safely back in Ireland. 

All frames match in style and size. Evidence of wear to frames. Frames are glazed and ready to hang.

UK mainland delivery £25

Dimensions in CM
Frames H36 x W27.5
Prints  H23 x W15